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This week on Tracking––a weekly series in which we discuss our favorite songs of the year (you can check out the official list as the year progresses)––you can listen to additions from Frank Ocean, The xx, Tame Impala, Dan Deacon and How To Dress Well. (Click on the arrows to navigate through the songs.)
Frank Ocean: “Bad Religion” (1 of 5)
This week’s Tracking is heavy on the heartfelt ballads. Still, I doubt anyone is complaining. All are powerful in their own way but Frank Ocean’s “Bad Religion” may be the most potent. The song has received a lot of attention not only because it is good but because it expounds on the coming out story that Frank told during the lead up to channel ORANGE. That adds an interesting element to the song but it is not what forms its core. “Bad Religion” is gripping because its story of unrequited love is one that most have a fundamental connection to. It’s that destitute feeling where aimlessness and confusion rein. He wails “if it brings me to my knees, it’s a bad religion.” That religion, which he also calls a “one man cult,” is devotion to someone you care about. And whether it be a god or a mortal if that devotion is not reciprocated the results are often earth shattering. Frank bottles up this feeling and, over a spiritual organ and soaring strings, releases it into the world. Be prepared to shed a tear or two. –– Drew Malmuth
